92-Q45 Pushing 200K...One foot in the GRAVE...Where to start?

[92-Q-Sled]

Hi everybody!

New here, glad to have someone to talk to who isn't just going to tell me to "get rid of that thing QUICK!". I hope I can keep it running, I really just love the car, and if I can afford the payments on a newer but lesser vehicle then I can afford to budjet in the repairs/upgrades to this one. It needs a power steering pump, two side view mirrors, complete exhaust, oil pan is rotted, and front end work is in my near future (boots etc.) I'm not a mechanic but I work in IT at a Trade School/Institute who trains mechanics!!! Lucky for me and my Q!!! I want to "Do It Right, and Do It Once" Soooo, if you had an entire team of mechanics looking for something to do, a 92 Q45, and only had to pay for parts, what would you do. Why? And in what order.I will put "Product of NICOclub.com" on this thing to give proper rekognition to you all for your help.

Thanks,

Also...Yes I know about the Chain Guide Issue.And I have also heard that some Z-Parts as well as some Skyline Parts are interchangeable? Is there any truth to this!?!?

Modified by 92-Q-Sled at 5:57 AM 1/14/2007
Modified by 92-Q-Sled at 5:58 AM 1/14/2007

[goody90q45]

The steering wheel leather has got to be pretty chewed up after 200,000 miles so I think I'd start with a new cover. Just kidding. Welcome to NICO.

There's no reason you can't have your Q running like new even with 200,000 miles. I owned a 90 for a short while with 225,000 miles and it was mechanically perfect and looked like new. While you wait for responses I can tell you that a chain guide upgrade will be your first priority.

I would start with engine diagnostics. Ohm the injectors and knock sensors and pull the ECU and read (and clear) the codes. These three things are real simple to do and will tell you a lot about your engine. You can find step-by-step instructions at Q45.org in the tech help section. Lrt us know the results.

Next get a copy of the Factory Service Manual at phatg20.net. The self-diagnosis functions that are built into this car are amazing if you take the time to follow the steps in the FSM. Great training for an apprentice tech. With the FSM and the DIY tutorials available from NICO and Q45.org you'll be able to give the techs at the trade school all the right info to diagnose and repair your car properly. Good luck.

[Jesda]

Start with the chain guides and oil pan. You have to remove the pan anyway to get the plastic debris out.

You can upgrade to Z32 brakes.

Take pics of the work in progress if you can!

[ceningolmo]

Welcome to NICO.

Chain guides are first thing in order. Make sure you do all new belts while you are in there. New water pump is easy while doing this job too... so you might as well. Your power steering pump is accessible during this job as well, so plan on doing it.

Probably followed by flushing every single liquid on the vehicle (steering, brakes, coolant, fuel, oil, transmission, diff)...even if you have kept them in reasonable shape its probably a good time to get it all done.

After that, engine diagnostics and reconditioning is in order. Test your injectors...even if they test OK on OHM though, it's probably time to have them all serviced. So, I would just plan on pulling them all and sending them to Deatsch for cleaning and restoration. Replace all the hoses and harnesses under the plenum while you are under there. Knock Sensors should be done while you are in there.

Next step is reconditioning suspension. Time to replace everything that is rubber. Take a look at doing new Tokiko struts, and possibly doing some new springs (if you want to drop it at all, California Customs may still be available). Check all of your steering linkages, tie rods... hell, anything even remotely connecting your wheels to your car. If its got rubber attached to it, you should assume it is shot and needs to be replaced.

Once you are done with all that, and your ECU isn't throwing any other codes you probably want to make sure you didn't miss any sensors or electronics. O2 sensors, spark plugs, ignitor packs, etc. Some of this stuff is good to do while under plenum.

Exhaust should be easy... see if you can find one in good shape off of a parted car or from PopPop. If you buy new it will be a fortune doing OEM...so, skip that. Cheaper, faster, better to have something custom made if finding a good used one doesn't work out.

Finallly.... time to knock out the cosmetic stuff. Get the mirrors taken care of and start rehabilitating the paint. I might actually be able to help with that stuff when you finally get there.

WOW... quite a list when you think about it in whole. But, if all you have to pay for is parts... and you take it a step at a time, you'll be fine. Also, this is just my rather novice opinion... some of the real experts will chime in at some point.

[elwesso]

ill touch on what others didnt mention. There is some compatibility on skyline and Z32 parts... mostly brake and suspension stuff.. R32 coilovers can be made to fit the Q without too much hassle.. we all know about R32 and Z32 brakes on a Q, so youre good there.

what makes you think you need a new PS pump?

[92-Q-Sled]

First, let me start by saying thank you for all of your input.

Also, I am no mechanic but I could handle most lightweight stuff myself. Furtunately I don't need to now. I was a body / PAINT guy in one of my previous lives. That stuff I'll do, or have done latter. Full body recon, possible kit, and of course color change. The interior at some point will have to go as well...as it is torn & worn. What counts now is the mechanicals.The exhaust sounds like I have my Harley in dry storage in the trunk...STILL RUNNING!!! REDLINED !!!! The power steering is Arm-Strong steering and the PSPump is whinning and foaming.

In the end I want something nice, custom, done right, and respectable. I am no kid, but I refuse to settle into the Volo sedan I ought to drive.

Not that there is anything wrong Volvos, I might even get my wife one.

[maxnix]

Start with the chain guides and oil pan. You have to remove the pan anyway to get the plastic debris out.

You can upgrade to Z32 brakes.

Take pics of the work in progress if you can!

I would add in the motor mounts when you do the oil pan.

Forget upgrades for the moment, just concentrate on returning to as new OEM specifications. You have a ton of deferred maintenance. Time to pay the piper, but when you are finished, it is all yours and not the bank's.

[redmanfx]

Welcome to NICO! Talking about bringing a 92 back to life,. here I am. It all started 3 years ago when I bought my Q after never having heard of one before and I just fell in love and have been smitten ever since. The list of things I've done to the car to bring it back is simply to long to discuss right now, let me just say it was allot and has been an epic journy! You do have your source right here to get this accomplished however.

Take everyones advice and start with the chain guides and engine work, then just pick the next important thing on the list that YOU want to fix and keep plugging away at it. One day you'll look at her and say, Damn, I have done allot to this fricken' car, but then you'll smile and go for a drive! My car was my everyday driver for the longest time and I was still able to get things done. I did work myself for the most part, but did take it to a mechanic for some major stuff as well and researched my rear end off to find the cheapest way to do things with the best possible parts. The battle between my wallet and my Q rages on most every day so please do keep me informed on your progress. I'll be waiting to hear..

[96Qowner]

I also suggest that you search for and read all the old threads by tangalora. It will give you better insight into what's involved in the motor, oil pan, etc.

(She was an amazing woman.)